Things to do in Oulu
-
A
Sokeri-Jussin Kievari
An Oulu classic, this timbered local on Pikisaari was once a sugar warehouse and has outdoor tables that have good views of the centre. Although the renovated interior has lost a bit of the original character, it’s still an attractive spot to eat, with no-frills traditional dishes, including reindeer.
reviewed
-
Cycling & Cycling Paths
One of Oulu's best features is the extensive network of wonderful bicycle paths - routinely praised as the best local cycling routes in Finland. Nowhere is the Finns' love of two-wheeled transport more obvious than here in summer. Bike paths cross bridges, waterways and islands and can take you all the way out to surrounding villages.
A good easy ride is from the kauppatori (market square), across the bridge to Pikisaari and across another bridge to Nallikari where there's a good beach facing the Gulf of Bothnia.
Bikes can be hired from the train station, and bikes and rollerblades can be hired from shop 24 at the kauppatori. Nallikari Camping rents out bikes but only to…
reviewed
-
B
Oulu Cathedral
Oulu’s imposing cathedral was built in 1777 but then came the great fire of 1822, which severely damaged the structure. Tireless architect CL Engel rebuilt it in Empire style, adding dome and renaissance-style vaulting, which impart a powerful airiness to the fairly unadorned interior. It got promoted to cathedral in 1900 when the bishopric moved here from Kuopio; notable artworks include a fine altarpiece of the Ascension, a very Finnish Crucifixion in the transept, Finland’s oldest portrait (1611) above the door to the vestry and, typically, a hanging boat, for the protection of the sailors of this most maritime city.
reviewed
-
C
Pohjois Pohjanmaan Museo
This park museum merits exploration but has almost too much information to take in at first bite. It covers the earliest habitation of the region through to the 20th century, including plenty of information on the tar trade. Cameras allow you to zoom in on the impressive scale model of 1938 Oulu; a traditional pharmacy, paintings of the great fire, and a schoolroom are included in the wide-ranging display. A series of reconstructed rooms from different periods of history range from formal 19th-century salons to a student’s 1960s bedroom with Che poster, typewriter and hair-curlers.
reviewed
-
D
Oulunlinna
There's not much left of Oulu Castle, although you can clearly see the remaining fort-like structure dominating the small park near the bridge. The observation tower of the castle, rebuilt in 1873, now houses a café, but you can go below and look in the cellar, which has a small interpretative display. The original castle was built in 1590 as a base for the Swedish army moving east towards Russia. The whole thing blew up in 1793 when a lightning strike hit a powder magazine.
reviewed
-
E
Tietomaa
This mammoth science centre, in an old factory building, is Scandinavia’s oldest and largest science museum and one of those places you can poke around in for half a day. It’s most child-friendly, and in term-time gets very full with school groups. The excellent interactive exhibits range from UFOs to dinosaurs, and there’s always one mega-exhibition as the highlight. If you need some breathing space, head up the tower for the views.
reviewed
-
F
Matala
One of a clutch of upmarket restaurants around the kauppatori, this consistently delivers on food, service and, of course, location; outside seating puts you in the middle of things but the awning affords you a little privacy. There are various degustation menus (€48 to €83) using typical northern Finnish ingredients; delicious Arctic char, or veal sweetbreads with globe artichoke are examples from the regularly overhauled à la carte menu.
reviewed
-
G
Franzén
Opposite the cathedral, in a building dating back to 1829, this is one of Oulu's finest restaurants. The cuisine is French and Finnish, with fish (salmon, trout perch), reindeer and willow grouse featuring on the menu. The wine list is good and the decoration impeccable, and there's also a German-style beer cellar (Johanneksen kellari). Book ahead, as they may not open otherwise.
reviewed
-
H
Oulu Cathedral
The rather imposing 19th-century cathedral has Finland's oldest portrait (dating from 1611) above the door to the vestry, and a fine altarpiece of the Ascension. A much older church, built in 1777, stood here until the great fire of 1822. This version was designed by the German architect CL Engel. It got promoted to cathedral in 1900 when the bishopric moved here from Kuopio.
reviewed
-
I
1881 Uleåborg
In an old warehouse near the kauppatori, this classy spot combines chic Finnish style with a traditional setting. The dishes subtly purr ‘Suomi’ to your palate, with Baltic herrings accompanied with crayfish sauce and new potatoes with dill and sour cream, or vendace terrine with whitefish and fennel salad, as well as a mouth-cleanser of traditional strawberry milk.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
J
Café Bisketti
This top double-sided spot transforms itself throughout the day. Think twice before getting that pastry with your morning coffee; they’re enormous, and might not leave room for lunch, when soup, salad, coffee and a pastry are €6.30, and only €7.80 with a tasty hot dish. In the evenings, the terrace is a decent spot for a people-watching beer.
reviewed
-
K
Taidemuseo
Oulu’s art museum is a bright gallery opposite Tietomaa. It has excellent temporary exhibitions of both international and Finnish contemporary art, and a good permanent collection. The cafe is an exhibit in its own right. The gallery was closed at last visit for extensive renovation, but is due to open again in spring 2009.
reviewed
-
L
Sailor’s Home Museum
This museum on Pikisaari belonged to a local sailor. Built in 1737, it is the oldest house in Oulu and was transferred here from the town centre in 1983. The wallpaper and extendable bed are typical of 19th-century Finnish homes. Entrance is free with entry to the Pohjois Pohjanmaan Museo.
reviewed
-
M
Never Grow Old
This enduringly popular bar hits its stride after 10pm, with plenty of dancing, DJs and revelry in the tightly packed interior. The goofy decor includes some seriously comfortable and extremely uncomfortable places to sit, and a log-palisade bar that seems designed to get you to wear your drink.
reviewed
-
N
Katri Antell
An Oulu institution, this cafe takes the venerability award; the first Katri was founded in 1880. The elegant chairs and hook-shaped couch make comfortable seats to enjoy a munkki (doughnut) and coffee, though all you can usually see from the terrace is a forest of bikes.
reviewed
-
O
Zakuska
This place, in the busy strip of bars and cafés, is one of the best-value restaurants in town and deservedly popular for its tasty Russian cuisine. The décor and music add to the 'east of Finland' atmosphere, the onion steak is good, as are the blini.
reviewed
-
Potnapekka Tourist Trolley
The 'Potnapekka' - a tourist trolley - travels around in summer, from Rotuaari pedestrian street to Hupisaaret island or Nallikari beach. The fare is for both routes; departures are from Rotuaari every hour on the hour, daily from early June to early August.
reviewed
-
P
Kaarlenholvi Jumpru Pub
This Oulu institution is a great place for meeting locals and its enclosed outdoor area always seems to be humming with cheerfully sauced-up folk. There’s a warren of cosy rooms inside, as well as a nightclub opening from 10pm Wednesday to Saturday.
reviewed
-
Q
Makasiini
This is a classic café set in an old wooden warehouse on the kauppatori. It opens extremely early so that stallholders can get their first coffee of the day in, and in summer has a great terrace that sucks all it can get from the evening sun.
reviewed
-
R
Oulu University Botanical Gardens
Oulu University Botanical Gardens, in Lineman, north of the centre, are pleasantly landscaped with thousands of exotic plants – including hardy 5m-tall cacti. A pair of greenhouses, named Romeo and Juliet, house tropical species.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
S
Oluthuone Leskinen
This bar on the central pedestrian zone has a popular terrace that complements the dark, cosy interior with its wide range of Finnish and international beers, as well as malt whiskies. There’s notably friendly service and a good atmosphere.
reviewed
-
Cafe Milou
Don something black and head down to this casual bar named after Tin Tin’s hound to while away some time with Oulu’s streetwise rock and metal crowd. Bookshelves filled with comics, a Friday poker tournament, and small terrace add appeal.
reviewed
-
Hupisaaret Island
Just north of the town centre and connected by small bridges, Hupisaaret Island is a pleasant city park with bike paths, greenhouses, a summer café and the Ainola Park. It's a popular place for strolling in summer.
reviewed
-
Walking
Just north of the City centre and connected by small bridges, Hupisaaret Island is a pleasant city park with bike paths, greenhouses, a summer café and the Ainola Park. It's a popular place for strolling in summer.
reviewed
-
T
Istanbul Oriental
This stylishly decorated place in the heart of things is a rather good Turkish restaurant with plenty of vegetarian options and succulent chargrilled meat. Service is excellent, though the food’s somewhat overpriced.
reviewed